A vibrant city of dancing
Tokushima City, the capital of Tokushima Prefecture, is located on the northeast corner of Shikoku Island. This bustling port city comes alive every summer during its lively Awa Odori Festival. The city is situated at the mouth of several major rivers, making it a vibrant and energetic place to visit.
Don’t Miss
When visiting Tokushima City, there are a few attractions that should not be missed. Firstly, make sure to visit the top of Mt. Bizan for a breathtaking view of the city. The view from the summit is truly spectacular and offers a panoramic vista of Tokushima City and its surroundings.
Another must-visit spot is the Awa Odori Kaikan Hall, where you can learn about the city’s famous dance, the Awa Odori. This traditional dance is performed during the festival and is a significant part of Tokushima’s cultural heritage. The hall offers interactive exhibits and daily performances, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of the Awa Odori.
For a unique experience, take a free boat cruise around the city. This leisurely cruise allows you to see Tokushima City from a different perspective, as you sail along its rivers and canals. It’s a relaxing way to explore the city and take in its picturesque scenery.
How to Get There
Tokushima City is easily accessible by both Shinkansen (bullet train) and airplane. If you’re coming from Tokyo, you can take a flight from Haneda Airport to Tokushima Airport, which takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Tokaido or Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo to Okayama, which takes around three hours. From Okayama, you can then take the JR Seto-Ohashi Kotoku Line to Tokushima Station, which takes just under two hours.
If you’re coming from Osaka, you have a few options. You can take the Tokaido or Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Okayama, which takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a highway bus from Osaka Station to Tokushima Station, which takes around two hours. Both options provide convenient and efficient transportation to Tokushima City.
The city of rivers
Tokushima City is known for its numerous rivers and canals that flow through the city. These waterways add to the city’s charm and provide a unique backdrop for its vibrant atmosphere. One way to experience the city from a different perspective is by taking the Hyotanjima Boat Tour. This 30-minute boat tour takes you around the city center, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty of Tokushima City from the water.
Explore the site of Tokushima Castle
Located just behind Tokushima Station is Chuo Park, which is home to the ruins of Tokushima Castle. The park offers a pleasant area for strolling, and from the hilltop, you can enjoy stunning views of the city. Make sure to visit the Tokushima Castle Museum, where you can learn more about the history of the castle and explore its beautiful Japanese garden.
Glittering night views
For breathtaking views of Tokushima City at night, head to Mt. Bizan. This mountain is easily accessible from the city, with a 10-minute walk from the train station to the ropeway that takes you to the summit. Mt. Bizan is particularly stunning during cherry blossom season in spring and autumn when the leaves change color. The city lights reflecting in the rivers create a magical ambiance that is not to be missed.
Learn the fool’s dance
At the base of the ropeway to Mt. Bizan is the Awa Odori Kaikan, an interactive museum dedicated to the Awa Odori Festival. This festival, also known as the “fool’s dance,” takes place every August during the Obon holiday season. The museum features exhibits with photos and videos of the festival, and daily performances by local musicians and dancers. Visitors can even participate in the Awa Odori dance, immersing themselves in this lively and energetic tradition.
The city comes alive in August
Without a doubt, the highlight of Tokushima City is the Awa Odori Festival. This annual event takes place from August 12 to 15 and attracts nearly 1.2 million people from all over japan and the world. The festival showcases the Awa Odori dance, which has a history of more than 400 years. During the festival, the downtown area of Tokushima City is transformed into a lively outdoor festival, with major thoroughfares closed off for dance competitions and street food stalls lining the streets. The atmosphere is electric, and the city is filled with the sounds of music and the sight of dancers clad in colorful costumes. The Awa Odori Festival is often compared to Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival, and it truly is a spectacle not to be missed.
In conclusion, Tokushima City is a vibrant and energetic city that comes alive during the Awa Odori Festival. With its rivers, historic sites, and stunning night views, it offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors. Whether you’re exploring the city’s waterways, learning about the Awa Odori dance, or immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of the festival, Tokushima City is sure to leave a lasting impression. So plan your trip and get ready to dance the night away in this vibrant city of Tokushima.
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